In a first of its kind in the country, Laurian Johannes-Haupt, has been appointed as the first ever female to coach the Springbok Women national team.
This follow’s last year’s formal recruitment, after she had been acting as the team’s interim assistant coach.
The 40-year-old’s remarkable milestone comes ahead of the Springbok Women’s 2025 Rugby World Cup campaign.
Johannes-Haupt was working as a high school teacher after retiring from the sport in 2014, following the 12 Test long Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2010.
According to a statement from SA Rugby, the pioneer enjoyed teaching but could not turn down the permanent post.
“It was a challenge to do both, as coaching at the national level demanded more and more of my time and when this opportunity came to join SA Rugby full-time, I had to make the call.
I loved teaching very much, but rugby is also a passion and with our current group developing into a force on the world stage, it was the right time to move on,” said Johannes-Haupt.
Debates about transformation in national rugby have continued over the years, including a 2023 report published by the South African Rugby Union (SARU), which bemoaned the number of black players who were included in the team.
Johannes-Haupt’s appointment at this level, will serve as a beacon of hope and motivation to aspiring female coaches and players.
Meanwhile, she displayed eagerness and drive to push the squad to greater heights during her tenure.
“I believe the best is yet to come.
I have been involved in rugby for almost two decades now and can honestly say that we are ready to deliver performances not seen by the national squad before,” remarked the coach.
The Springbok women continue with preparations for the World Cup that will be played in England, in August.
